Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras

Celebrating 30 years of gay pride

Some cities connect with their gay pride events and others don't. It's hard to think of another major city that has embraced its gay pride.

So how did Mardi Gras reach this iconic status? The ironic thing is that the key reason for its success was the opposition it faced when it began. The first march took place on Saturday 24th June 1978 at 10pm and it met with police violence. Two thousand people followed a truck with a small PA system down Oxford Street to Hyde Park and then dispersed up to Kings Cross. After harassing the marchers for much of the route the police swooped and violently arrested 53 people. That first Mardi Gras march was a major civil rights milestone for the gay community and beyond.

By 1979 the Mardi Gras was already developing into something of a festival. Up to 3,000 people marched in an incident-free parade. In 1980 a key new element was introduced - the post-parade party. In 1981 the decision was taken to move the event forward to the Southern Hemisphere's summer to enjoy better weather. The face of the modern Mardi Gras we know today was taking shape - and continues to grow and evolve to this day. This year Conde Nast named it as one of the world's top ten costume parades in the world. Meanwhile Planetout named it as the best gay event in the world. It still remains the one truly global gay annual event and a uniquely attractive escape from the Northern Hemisphere winter.

Celebrating 15 years at Mardi Gras

And there is another reason to celebrate in 2008. conxity.com is proud to be featuring packages from Rainbow High Vacations - the Canadian company that has been sending revellers from around the world to Sydney for Mardi Gras for 15 years. To celebrate, Rainbow High has added a number of unique features to their packages to make your experience in Sydney the best it can possibly be.

The Parties Package includes tickets to the three best events of the week including the spectacular Mardi Gras party on the Saturday night.

The Unique Experiences Package takes you off the beaten path - from a private backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House to a day exploring the back country of the Blue Mountains just outside Sydney by 4 wheel drive.

The Favourites Package gives you the highlights of the Mardi Gras weekend including the parade and party.

And for those on a budget the No Frills Package gives you the essentials - a roof over your head and a ticket to the Mardi Gras party.

Once Sydney chewed you up and spit you out (or vice versa) relax on the Great Barrier Reef, indulge in the food and wine of Tasmania or enjoy one of the world's most spectacular drives along the Great Ocean Road.